Changes in labour market indicators under the influence of intergenerational disparities in value orientation

The labour market simultaneously encompasses multiple generations—Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials (Generation Y), and Generation Z. Each of these generations is characterised by distinct values, attitudes, and expectations, which, in combination with rapid technological progress and changing social conditions, accentuate their differences. The diverse preferences of each generation may have a significant impact on the labour market and its indicators. This study aims to examine the effect of generational shifts on selected labour market indicators, such as employment, labour productivity, long-term unemployment, and mobility within the conditions of the V4 countries. The primary analytical method applied is the Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) model, with the analysis based on available statistical data from Eurostat. SUR models allow for a more detailed examination of the specific characteristics of individual generations in the labour market and their influence on the aforementioned indicators. The study tests a set of four hypotheses, each addressing statistically significant differences between generations in the context of: (1) employment by sector, (2) labour productivity by sector, (3) long-term unemployment, and (4) labour mobility. The interpreted results present a summary of findings across all V4 countries (Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary) and are subsequently compared with findings from other regions, particularly Western Europe and the United States. The main findings indicate that the generations differ statistically significantly in relation to the selected labour market indicators. Since the V4 region has remained relatively underexplored in this research domain, the acquired findings expand existing theories on intergenerational disparities and their impact on the labour market.